Unique Nanoparticle Tracking System Enhances UKZN’s Analytical Capabilities

UKZN’s Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit (MMU) is home to a central new piece of equipment – a state-of-the-art instrument that analyses nanoparticles in liquid suspension by size, concentration, and fluorescence, and has the potential to foster innovative research across various scientific disciplines at UKZN and beyond.

Professor Carola Niesler of the Discipline of Biochemistry, championed the instrument’s acquisition, which was enabled by funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and UKZN’s School of Life Sciences.

A major focus within Niesler’s group is on extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid-enclosed nanoparticles released by cells which mediate intercellular communication and various physiological and pathological processes. Her laboratory is collaboratively investigating the role of EVs in regenerative processes, their ability to deliver nucleic acids to target tissues and their use as disease biomarkers.

Additionally, the group is characterising a range of plant-derived EVs and, in collaboration with Dr Pamela Mkhize, investigating bacterial EVs – naturally present in the genital tract – for their role in regulating inflammatory processes and modulating vaginal microbiome inflammation.

The Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) will support not only internal research, but critical work taking place in sectors outside the University, including the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, clinical diagnostics and healthcare, the food and beverage industry, agriculture, environment and water quality testing, industrial and material sciences, energy technologies and catalysis, and regulatory agencies.

The MMU hosted training sessions on using the newly-acquired ZetaView® Mono Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis System on the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses attended by more than 30 participants from UKZN’s Schools of Chemistry and Physics, Life Sciences, Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, and Health Sciences.

Sales Manager Europe for Particle Metrix Ms Rosa Jerlerud travelled to South Africa to provide training on using the instrument, explaining how it uses NTA with high-sensitivity imaging to detect even minuscule particles and low concentrations. The measurement process involves illuminating the sample with a laser, using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera to detect individual particles, and then identifying and counting the particles within the field of view, calculating the particle concentration based on the sample volume.

The highly sensitive machine ranges from 20 to 1 000 nanometers and can detect nanoparticles, nanopolymers and more, being particularly useful for characterising biological, synthetic, and environmental nanoparticles. It complements the qualitative analysis offered by electron microscopes and provides data on particle size, concentration, and a histogram of the distribution of particles by size.

The highly sensitive machine can detect many nanoparticle types, including EVs, nanometals, nanoplastics, viruses, and nanobubbles, ranging from 20 to 1000 nanometers in diameter, and is therefore particularly useful for characterising biological, synthetic, and environmental nanoparticles. It allows for rapid, accurate analysis and the delivery of reports within minutes. In South Africa, it is unique in its fluorescence capability, which allows analysis of specific EV populations. It complements the qualitative analysis offered by transmission electron microscopy and provides data on particle size, concentration, and a histogram of the distribution of particles by size.

The versatile instrument will significantly enhance research capabilities across the University’s scientific disciplines, further enabling nanoparticle research applications in disease biomarker development, drug delivery and optimisation of effective nanomedicine therapies.

Furthermore, its application in nanotoxicology studies, detection of nanoparticle pollution and microplastics in aquatic environments, characterisation of nanoparticle-based enzyme immobilisation, and supporting research into biofuel production further highlight its versatility. The instrument is also useful for investigating plant nanoparticle uptake and the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle-based fertilisers and pesticides.

Beyond life sciences, the NTA has applications in health sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, and material science research at UKZN, including in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, water treatment and purification, renewable technologies, atmospheric science, quantum and optical applications, and more.

Researchers interested in learning more about the capabilities of the NTA should contact the MMU.

Words and photograph: Christine Cuénod